A few months ago I starting listening to podcasts — and I’m hooked. I know, podcasts have been around for a long time, but it was only recently that I had a compelling reason download and listen to some. Having an iPod made all the difference, as the podcast could then become portable, untethering me from my computer. I have filled my iPod Nano with an array of podcasts, with more recordings on my computer patiently waiting for space to be made for them on my trusty iPod.
All this got me to thinking. As a publisher, why not branch out and try my hand at podcasting? Unfortunately, my communication strength is in written form as opposed to the spoken word. This produced a dilemma. The solution seems to be pursuing an interview format, as opposed to a monologue. That way, my part would be short and concise, with the interviewee comprising the majority of the recording.
The process would be simple and straight-forward: Find a relatively quite place, turn on the recorder, and talk. There would be no edits, no pausing, and no “re-dos.” This should result in a real and compelling dialogue that is honest and true — no sound bites, no twisting of what was said.
I put all this to the test. At the recent ATA 2008 Washington Summit I recorded three interviews and have put them online on the official Connections Magazine podcast site.
(They were initially added to the Connections Magazine newsfeed, newsfeed.connectionsmagazine.com, but in the future, I think I will just add them to the podcast site). One of the podcasts was listened to more than 100 times the week it was posted.
Later this month, I will be attending the ATSI Convention and Expo in St. Louis. While I am there, I plan to record more podcasts and will add them online over the summer. I already lined up a few people to interview and am contemplating all manner of interesting and intriguing questions to ask them.
Whatever happens, I know that this will be a fun adventure — and I hope that many others will agree.
Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.
Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.